Leslie 330 rotor bearings

[Drawbar Dave]

On some ads for Leslie lower rotor bearings they say that they’re not intended for styrofoam rotors. I’m still learning about the later Leslie’s so what’s the score? Are they supposed not to wear out?

My 330 lower end seems to rattle during acceleration and one of the jobs I usually do on new Leslie’s is change the bearings.

[geoelectro]

The foam rotors don't use a bearing. They use a bushing. And, the shaft is a much smaller diameter. The bushing is plastic and typically doesn't wear out where it meets the shaft. However, they do wear out on the outside where it seats into its bracket. Foam rotor rattles tend to be where the rotor meets the shaft or loose weights in the foam itself. I have been able to secure a loose bushing by adding tape around the outside of the bushing so it seats tighter in the bracket. There is a rubber bushing where the shaft meets the rotor that is glued to the foam. That can loosen causing the rotor to be loose and make noise. Pushing the bushing back into the rotor and re-glueing will fix it. I have also added a wire-tie between the bushing and the pulley which holds it in place. The loose weights can be removed and secured. I have used shipping peanuts to secure the weight and added glue to hold in place.

Geo

[Drawbar Dave]

Thanks Geo for such a comprehensive answer! I will pull it apart and look for these issues.
Dave